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They then attended a reception at Aras an Uachtarain, the official residence in Phoenix Park of Mary McAleese, the Irish president. There, Bertie Ahern, the prime minister, and Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Mark Durkan, both keen football fans, were also waiting to congratulate them.

Controversy had surrounded the style of welcome and the choice of Phoenix Park as the venue for the team's homecoming.

The team and most supporters had wanted an open-top bus cavalcade through Dublin's city centre, terminating at College Green. But the government was advised by the police that security precautions could not be provided to cope with the expected size of crowds in the capital's streets and the open spaces of Phoenix Park was preferred.

"It's lovely that our supporters want to welcome us back in this way," said Mr McCarthy. "I think we've had a good World Cup and can feel very proud about the way we've played."

Niall Quinn, the veteran Sunderland striker, said he was delighted to be back but, in a reference to their exit at the weekend, added: "I would have preferred it to have been a couple of weeks later."

Fellow striker Robbie Keane, of Leeds United, said he was looking forward to seeing his family.